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能力 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
能力nénglìcapabilityHSK 4, n, rank #755, Medium
能力nénglìcapableHSK 4, n, rank #755, Medium
能力nénglìableHSK 4, n, rank #755, Medium
能力nénglìabilityHSK 4, n, rank #755, Medium
能力nénglì>个[gè]HSK 4, n, rank #755, Medium
nénglì(neng2li4) T2
  1. 1capability
  2. 2capable
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March 24, 2026
能力nénglì(neng2li4)

能力 (neng2 li4) refers to a person's capability or ability to perform tasks or activities. It is often used in contexts relating to skills, potential, or competence in various fields, such as academics, sports, and work. This word emphasizes both the inherent qualities and acquired skills that enable someone to achieve specific outcomes.

Frequency#755DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 能力 is deeply linked to education and personal development. The emphasis on improving one's 能力 through continuous learning reflects the cultural value placed on self-improvement and achievement.

Memory Tip

Think of 能 (neng) as a person with a strong 'capability' standing tall, showcasing their skills. The character 力 (li) represents 'strength' or 'power,' suggesting that ability comes from both innate talent and effort. Visualize a superhero with a cape (能) and muscles (力) combining their powers to accomplish great feats.

Meanings of 能力

nénglì(neng2li4)
1capability
2capable
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 能力

能力Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#755Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 能力

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Podcast: 能力

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AI Study Notes for 能力

Quick Contrast

能力 (nénglì) vs 才能 (cáinéng) — use 能力 for general capability, while 才能 emphasizes specific talents or skills.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 能 (neng) as a person with a strong 'capability' standing tall, showcasing their skills. The character 力 (li) represents 'strength' or 'power,' suggesting that ability comes from both innate talent and effort. Visualize a superhero with a cape (能) and muscles (力) combining their powers to accomplish great feats.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 能力 with 力量 (li4 liang) which means 'strength' or 'force.' Remember that 能力 is more about skills and competencies rather than physical strength. In formal settings, use 能力 to describe qualifications, while in informal contexts, you may refer to someone's skills using other terms.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 4 word, 能力 connects with other words describing personal qualities and skills, like skill (技能, ji neng) and talent (才华, cai hua). Focus on using it in sentences that describe someone's capabilities in various situations.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 能力 is deeply linked to education and personal development. The emphasis on improving one's 能力 through continuous learning reflects the cultural value placed on self-improvement and achievement.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 能力 with 可能 (ke3 neng2), which means 'possible' or 'potential.' Remember that 能力 specifically relates to abilities and skills. For example, saying '我有可能' (wǒ yǒu kě néng) instead of '我有能力' (wǒ yǒu néng lì) can change the meaning significantly.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 能力

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Component Characters

能néngto be able to
HSK 110 strokes⺼
View full entry
力lìpower
HSK 52 strokes力
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Write 能力

能
力

Practice writing 能力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 能力

能力 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

听说重要，读写也很重要，总之，这四项____都很重要。

Listening and speaking are important, reading and writing are also important — in short, all four skills are important.

Example Sentences for 能力 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果受到损伤，神经细胞再造的能力有限。

rú guǒ shòu dào sǔn shāng， ， shén jīng xì bāo zài zào de néng lì yǒu。

Nerve cells have limited ability to regenerate if destroyed.
2
你要坚定不移地相信自己的能力。

nǐ yào jiān dìng bù yí dì xiāng xìn zì jǐ de néng lì。

You need an undying belief in your own ability.
3
这一起对毫无防御能力的孕妇的袭击，令人无比震惊。

zhè yī qǐ duì háo wú fáng yù néng lì de yùn fù de xí jī， ， líng rén wú bǐ zhèn。

This was a sickening attack on a pregnant and defenceless woman.
4
公众从来不相信他有能力胜任这一职位。

gōng zhòng cóng lái bù xiāng xìn tā yǒu néng lì shèng rèn zhè yī zhí wèi。

The public never had faith in his ability to handle the job.
5
离校时，他们将有能力获得办公室工作的机会。

lí xiào shí， ， tā mén jiāng yǒu néng lì huò dé bàn gōng shì gōng zuò de jī。

When they leave school, they will be equipped for obtaining office jobs.
6
幸福就是有能力充分享受你拥有的一切。

xìng fú jiù shì yǒu néng lì chōng fēn xiǎng shòu nǐ yōng yǒu de yī qiē。

Hap-piness is the ability to make the most of what you have.
7
实验对象中有一半左右自认为有心灵感应能力。

shí yàn duì xiàng zhōng yǒu yī bàn zuǒ yòu zì rèn wéi yǒu xīn líng gǎn yīng néng lì。

About half the subjects considered themselves to be telepathic.
8
该协会在物色一位有能力的研究人员。

gāi xié huì zài wù sè yī wèi yǒu néng lì de yán jiū rén yuán。

The society was looking for a capable research worker.
9
你是专家，而我是个能力有限的愚笨牧师。

nǐ shì zhuān jiā， ， ér wǒ shì gè néng lì yǒu xiàn de yú bèn mù。

I'm a limited and obtuse clergyman while you're the expert.
10
这些产品品质很好,在国际市场上有竞争能力.

zhè xiē chǎn pǐn pǐn zhì hěn hǎo, , zài guó jì shì cháng shàng yǒu jìng zhēng néng.

These products are of high quality and able to compete internationally.

Cultural Notes for 能力

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of 能力 is deeply linked to education and personal development. The emphasis on improving one's 能力 through continuous learning reflects the cultural value placed on self-improvement and achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions about 能力

You can say '他的能力很强' (tā de nénglì hěn qiáng) which means 'His ability is strong.'